Gutters play an important role in the longevity of your home. A properly installed and maintained gutter system (gutters and downpipe combination) will efficiently drain away water, protecting the walls and the foundation of a house from the damaging effects of rain and melting snow.
For homeowners who want to protect their investment, the importance of gutters cannot be stressed enough. The most prominent reason rain gutters are so important is they channel water from the roof of your home and away from its foundation. But there are other important factors to consider as well. These include keeping water from pooling near the foundation; preventing damage to the exterior of your home especially the roof, soffits and fascia; and stopping seepage into the basement.
Clogged, rusted or cracked gutters are prone to leaking. Accumulated water on the ground near the foundation can create an environment in which mold and mildew can grow. Water that is not being properly drained away by a gutter system can seep into an attic, crawl space or basement. Runoff can damage walls. In winter, pooled water repeatedly freezing and thawing can cause any cracks in a foundation to become worse.
Especially in such a rainy climate as ours, gutters safeguard against the damaging effects of water. For the ultimate protection and to increase its longevity, choose a good gutter system that matches the needs of your home and its environment. Plan to maintain and clean your gutters on a regular basis for that little extra peace of mind.
